First Trans Speaker At Democratic National Convention

A first for any US party convention, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) has invited a transgender person to address its audience. The Human Rights Campaign’s National Press Secretary, Sarah McBride, a trans advocate, will be giving a speech later on this week.

McBride said: “I’m honored for this opportunity to share my story and to be the first transgender person to speak at a major party convention. People must understand that even as we face daily harassment, tragic violence, and an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ political attacks across the country, we are real people merely seeking to be treated with the dignity and respect every person deserves.”

“I’m so proud to stand with the LGBT Caucus and speak out in support of Hillary Clinton, because we know she stands with us,” Sarah continued.

Sarah McBride is actively involved in the organization Trans United for Hillary and was invited to speak on the convention floor on Thursday night after Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

HRC President, Chad Griffin, is so proud of this invitation and sees it as a huge step forward, saying: “Hillary Clinton won’t be the only woman to make history this Thursday. When Sarah McBride takes the stage, she will become the first transgender person to speak at a national Democratic or Republican convention.”

Griffin, who will speak at the Convention himself, continues the praise for the DNC’s decision: “Sarah’s inclusion in Thursday’s program is a significant milestone for our community, and it sends a strong message that transgender people and their voices matter.”

Griffin hopes that his speech will sway voters in the direction of Clinton, after all of the rhetoric espoused by the Republican Party last week.

“I’m also honored to address a national convention where LGBTQ advocates will play such an integral and historic role. Next week’s Democratic National Convention will underscore the stark contrast between Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine’s vision for a more equal America and Donald Trump and Mike Pence’s agenda of hate and division.”